Introduction
Uploaded by
Emilia ElenaIntroduction
Uploaded by
Emilia ElenaContemporary Digital Synthesis Techniques
Skills for Music Technology 107EPA
13th October 2016
Emilia-Elena Stahie
1. Introduction
i. Starting from the definition of synthesis in Chamber 21st Century Dictionary and developing
the process of ‘putting together separate parts to form a complex whole’.
ii. How the origins of sound synthesis are linked to the origins of humans? The tight connection
between hearing, speaking and synthesis.
iii. A short history of the evolution of sound synthesis from late 1950s to nowadays.
iv. Miller et al. (2009: 141) discuss about the beginning of synthesizer to ‘softsynth’.
2. The artistic side of synthesis
i. Even if synthesises are electronic sounds, they need the touch of a soul, representing also
the art in a different way.
ii. The almost infinite ways to synthesis sounds. McGuire and Van der Rest (2015) discuss that
new synths appear on the marketplace frequently with unique features even if there are
different synthesisers already available.
iii. The flexibility of synthesis and the applications of it.
iv. The benefit of synthesis is that you can manipulate sounds even if you are not able to play a
specific instrument.
3. Synthesis techniques and programming
i. Basic computer programming like algorithms, languages, unit generators and how to play
the instruments.
ii. Subtractive synthesis. It inspired and continues to inspire musicians because of the fact that
in the hands of a user that has experience it can create unique and vivid sounds.
iii. Loose modelling techniques are inspired from computer technology. Modulation,
waveshaping, Walsh and wavetable.
iv. Synthesis formats with a malleable structure. Combination Synthesis and Modeling.
v. Programming and techniques helps in modifying the frequencies of sounds so that the
combination of different sounds from different synthesizers is possible.
4. Analogue and digital methods of synthesis
i. Analogue synthesis – where the representation is not discrete but more continuous.
ii. Digital synthesis – in contrast with the analogue one, the digital use discrete numerical
representations. (Russ 2008)
iii. Overview of differences between analogue and digital methods of synthesis. A comparison
and contrast among the major features.
iv. Can we say that a recording is entirely analogue or digital? Some points of view and
arguments for and against. (Wikipedia 2016)
5. Conclusion
i. The importance of sound synthesis is that it can eliminate some human errors. For example,
mistakes made by hand when playing a guitar.
ii. Using different techniques gives the opportunity to create original compositions with the
same content by reshaping it. The multitude of techniques.
iii. It has a big range of usage like: live performing, music, movies and with intuition and exercise
the results are one of a kind.
2
References
Russ, M. (2008) Sound Synthesis and Sampling. Oxford: Focal Press
Aikin, J. (c2004) Power tools for synthesizer programming: the ultimate reference for sound design. San
Francisco: Backbeat Books
Miranda, E. R. (2002) Computer sound design: synthesis techniques and programming. London: Focal Press
McGuire, S. and Van der Rest, N. (2015) The Musical Art of Synthesis. Hoboken: Taylor and Francis
Miller, F. P., Vandome, A. F. and McBrewster, J. (2009) Electronic music. Beau Bassin, Mauritius: Alphascript
Publishing
Holmes, T. (2012) Electronic and experimental music: technology, music, and culture. London: Routledge
Pinch, T. and Trocco, F. (2002) Analog days: the invention and impact of the moog synthesizer. Cambridge,
MA.; London: Harvard University Press
Collins, N. and d'Escriván, J. (2007) The Cambridge companion to electronic music. Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press
Tolonen, T., Valimaki, V. and Karjalainen, M. (1998) Evaluation of Modern Sound Synthesis Methods no 48
[online] available from <http://legacy.spa.aalto.fi/publications/reports/sound_synth_report.pdf> [11
October 2016]
Computer Music (2009) 8 seriosly useful synth tips [online] available from
<http://www.musicradar.com/tuition/tech/8-seriously-useful-synth-tips-197187> [11 October 2016]
